Yingqi Chen, a doctoral student at the School of Government, Nanjing University, spent a year (January to December 2024) as a visiting scholar at Columbia University School of Social Work and the Columbia China Center for Social Policy. In a recent written interview, she shared her research and experiences as a visiting scholar at Columbia University.
Yingqi Chen, a doctoral student at the School of Government, Nanjing University, spent a year (January to December 2024) as a visiting scholar at Columbia University School of Social Work and the Columbia China Center for Social Policy. In a recent written interview, she shared her research and experiences as a visiting scholar at Columbia University.
What research did you primarily focus on during your visit?
My research interests mainly revolve around poverty and social assistance policies, particularly issues related to child poverty. Children are among the most vulnerable groups in society, and experiencing poverty can have profound and long-term impacts on their physical health, cognitive abilities, and non-cognitive development. During my visit, I primarily did the research of the effects of China’s Minimum Livelihood Guarantee (Dibao) on the development of children in recipient families, especially their cognitive development, and to explore the potential mechanisms underlying these impacts. My doctoral dissertation also focuses on child poverty issues, and the research conducted during my visit was an important part of the preparation for my dissertation.
In addition, I was in a comparative study of multidimensional poverty and social assistance policies in New York City and Shanghai led by Professor Qin Gao and her doctoral student, Stacie Tao. Through these research efforts, I not only gained valuable academic experience but also deepened my understanding of the theories and practices related to child poverty and social assistance policies.
What aspects of your visit to Columbia University left the deepest impression on you?
Several aspects of my visit to Columbia University left a particularly deep impression on me:
First, the academic environment. Columbia offers a highly open and inspiring academic atmosphere where scholars from different disciplines frequently engage in interdisciplinary dialogues. I often attended lectures and seminars hosted by the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, where scholars from sociology, political science, history, and other fields shared their research findings. These activities not only broadened my international academic perspective but also helped me better understand the importance of adopting diverse disciplinary viewpoints in the study of social issues. Additionally, Professor Qin Gao often invited scholars from various disciplines for discussions, and I had chances of participating in multiple interdisciplinary workshops. These dialogues underscored the importance of cross-border and cross-cultural collaboration, while also making me more aware of how to effectively present the voices of Chinese scholars and advance research on China through international academic platforms.
Second, the classroom atmosphere. At Columbia University, classes are lively and engaging, with active and in-depth interactions between professors and students. Professors encourage students to ask questions and express their views, whether discussing theories or analyzing case studies, with an emphasis on diverse perspectives. During the spring semester, I took two courses: Social Welfare Policy and Comparative Social Welfare Policy. In the Social Welfare Policy class, most students had social work backgrounds and often drew on their professional experiences to discuss issues of poverty and inequality in the U.S. and the potential for improving social welfare policies. Comparative Social Welfare Policy, offered by the School of International and Public Affairs, included students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds whose contributions often inspired new ways of thinking about research. Professors in both courses placed significant emphasis on connecting theory with practice, encouraging students to address real-world issues through theoretical lenses, thereby tightly integrating classroom learning with societal realities. This teaching approach was incredibly enriching and deepened my understanding of my research field.
Finally, the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). The ISSO provided comprehensive support for visiting students and scholars, ranging from visa applications to guidance on utilizing campus resources. ISSO also hosted regular lectures and networking events to help international students and scholars adapt to campus life and the city of New York. I participated in several excursions organized by ISSO to explore New York City, visiting landmarks like Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and The Met Cloisters. These activities not only enriched my understanding of New York’s culture and history but also facilitated meaningful interactions with students and scholars from diverse backgrounds, enhancing my appreciation for multiculturalism. The support from ISSO enabled me to seamlessly integrate into Columbia University’s academic and social environment while experiencing the inclusivity that Columbia University and New York offer.
What academic and cultural differences did you observe through interactions with other Ph.D. students and scholars?
After communicating with Ph.D. students at the School of Social Work, I noticed that, unlike in China, Columbia School of Social Work places a strong emphasis on the accumulation of practical experience outside academic research. Many Ph.D. students at the School of Social Work had already gained significant hands-on experience in nonprofit organizations or community services before pursuing their doctoral studies. This practical background not only deepened their understanding of research but also enabled them to integrate theory and practice more effectively in their research. After earning their doctorates, some of these students chose to work in social organizations, which not only expanded their career paths but also highlighted the real-world value of academic research in social work.
During my visit, I engaged with scholars from diverse academic backgrounds, including political science, sociology, and economics. These interactions gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of disciplinary theories and methods, while also helping me understand the importance of maintaining the unique viewpoints and research paradigms of my own discipline. My home institution is the School of Government at Nanjing University, one of the most prominent political and public administration research institutions in China. The school’s motto is “Tao (principles) and tools complement each other, benefiting the whole world” (道器相济，兼有天下). Through the unremitting efforts of several generations of scholars, the School has established a style of combining original research on basic theories with pioneering research on applied issues. Through interactions with different scholars, I gained insights into different theories and methodologies, which helped to clarify my own research aims. I also learned to focus on my core research questions when drawing from other disciplines.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when you first arrived in New York, and how did you overcome it?
Before coming to New York City, my mentor, Professor Mingang Lin, and my senior schoolmate, Xuan Huo, who was a visiting scholar at Columbia a few years ago, shared a wealth of advice on living and studying abroad, ranging from finding apartment to food choices, as well as tips on managing coursework and research. Their suggestions were immensely helpful in helping me adjust to the new environment. When I first arrived in New York City, Professor Lin and Xuan continued to show great concern for my adaptation. Surprisingly, adapting to life in New York City was smoother than I had anticipated.
Surprisingly, adapting to life in New York was smoother than I had anticipated. The city’s convenience, efficient transportation, and rich cultural activities helped me settle in quickly during the first two months. However, as time went on and the initial excitement wore off, feelings of loneliness and monotony in daily life inevitably crept in. To address this, I encouraged myself to get out more, have meals with friends, and study in the campus library rather than staying in my room. I also enjoyed taking walks in Central Park or Riverside Park to relax and soak up the sunshine. Living close to both parks, I found Riverside Park particularly appealing—its Hudson River breeze and sunsets never failed to wash away the tiredness of the day.
How did you balance rigorous academic work with the vibrant life in New York?
New York’s cultural and entertainment offerings are incredibly diverse! Whether it’s movies, musicals, museums, operas, or unique exhibitions, I believe every enthusiast can find joy and fulfillment in this city. Adapting to life in New York, I gradually found my own paces that balanced academic work with personal life. For a period, I would spend my days focused on research and my evenings watching movies at theaters in the Museum of Modern Art. There are also several independent cinemas in New York that showcase niche art films and classic movies, including many Chinese-language films. These rich cultural experiences not only exposed me to the city’s diversity and inclusivity but also became an indispensable part of my visiting life. As the saying goes, If you hate someone, send them to New York, for it’s hell; if you love someone, send them to New York, for it’s heaven. I believe that everyone can find their own way to unwind and enjoy life in New York.